More about the project
Facility Name: Mennonite Church USA Elkhart Offices
Hosting: Executive Leadership, Mennonite Mission Network and other Mennonite Church USA organizations that choose to locate staff in this multi-organization facility.
Purpose: To create an office environment and facility that enhances, empowers and aids staff, visitors and guests to fulfill the mission of Mennonite Church USA and to be a flexible, low cost resource for multiple organizations now and into the future.
Work space: The workspaces will be comfortable and functional with opportunities for group work and quiet work. The atmosphere will be one of focused creative work and conversation rather than hurried and noisy activity. There will be quiet spaces that encourage peaceful reflection. This will be accomplished by using natural light, live plants and materials from constituent churches across the country and partners from around the world.
Aesthetics: The entry will be welcoming and visually express the church's mission and identity, as well as the global connections of Mennonite Church USA. The changeable artwork displays will be integrated with architecture to indicate the many parts of Mennonite Church USA that make up the whole and indicate the Christ-centered purposes of the facility.
Construction: The building materials will be durable, natural and, as much as possible, practical, local materials. The building will have a small environmental footprint. It will be low maintenance and energy efficient with low operating costs.
The architecture will harmonize with the existing and planned Associate Mennonite Biblical Seminary structures. It will have simple lines with an understated beauty emphasizing functional elegance rather than "making a statement." It will be as flexible as possible to accommodate future change and unforeseen uses.
Environmental impact: We are considering several options for building a green facility; including using proven technologies to minimize energy use and maximize sustainability.
